Display location

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus are disclosed for locating a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) at a desired viewing angle. The apparatus comprises a display support that supports a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) and that is pivotably mounted at an edge region thereof to the terminal; a variable length member that connects a further region of the display support to the terminal; and a motor that selectively varies the length of the member, the edge region and further region being spaced apart to tilt the display at a viewing angle responsive to the length of the variable length member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation application and claims thebenefit of the filing date of application Ser. No. 13/483,284, filed May30, 2012, entitled, “Display Location”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for locating adisplay of a Self-Service Terminal (SST). In particular, but notexclusively, the present invention relates to apparatus for tilting adisplay to an appropriate viewing angle which is simple to use for auser and which is not prone to mechanical failure. The apparatus is alsoefficient to manufacture and does not require the pre-storage of userdata associated with possible users of the terminal in order to achievea desirable viewing angle when used.

Many situations are known in which Self-Service Terminals (SSTs) areutilized to dispense items of media to a user or via which users candeposit items of media. For example, an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)can be used to dispense currency notes to a user or allow a user todeposit checks and/or currency notes. It is known that, because userscan have different physical characteristics or because users ofso-called drive-through SSTs may be located in different sized vehicles,presenting a display of the terminal in a way that makes displayedinformation readable to a user can be problematical. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 7,644,039 discloses how a height and angle of tilt of a displayof an ATM can be altered dependent upon pre-stored user characteristicsassociated with identified users.

Nevertheless, the solution offered by U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,039 suffersfrom a number of problems. Notably, a user needs to identify themselvesprior to a user display being duly located. Errors can occur during thisverification procedure since the user may not be able to clearly readinitially displayed information. Also, a data store in the terminal, orconnected to the terminal, must be provided storing details of eachpossible user for recall when a particular user wishes to use aterminal. Still furthermore, the solution described in U.S. Pat. No.7,644,039 utilizes a complicated pneumatic system for raising a heightof a display and tilting the display. Such pneumatic systems are proneto error and are complicated to manufacture and maintain. Also, thedegree of movement permitted according to the solution shown in U.S.Pat. No. 7,644,039 means that it is difficult to seal in a watertightmanner around the moveable screen and this can permit ingress of wateror other particular matter which can, over time, cause failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly mitigate theabove-mentioned problems.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to providea method and apparatus for locating a display of a Self-Service Terminal(SST) at a desired viewing angle which is simple to use for a user anddoes not utilize complex and costly tilting mechanisms, nor require datato be pre-stored associated with individual users who might use theterminal.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to providean SST including a tilting display that also includes a mechanism whichprevents ingress of water or other contaminating particulate matterwhich might cause failure of the terminal.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to providea water management system on a moveable display of an SST.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to providea drive-through-type ATM in which a display can be readily tilted to anappropriate viewing angle as desired by a user.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is providedapparatus for locating a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) at adesired viewing angle, comprising:

-   -   a support that supports a display of a Self-Service Terminal        (SST) and that is pivotably mounted at an edge region thereof to        the terminal;    -   a variable length member that connects a further region of the        display support to the terminal; and    -   a motor that selectively varies the length of the member, the        edge region and further region being spaced apart to tilt the        display at a viewing angle responsive to the length of the        variable length member.

Aptly, the display support is mounted to the terminal at a firstterminal location comprising an upper or lower edge region of thedisplay via at least one pivot pin member.

Aptly, the variable length member is a stiff arm assembly, comprising aworm screw element, pivotably secured at a first end thereof to saiddisplay support and at a further end thereof to a further terminallocation.

Aptly, the apparatus further includes at least one flag member securedto said display support; and

-   -   at least one sensor secured to said terminal that detects when        said flag is located at at least one pre-determined position.

Aptly, the apparatus further includes a stiff spring coupling memberconnecting an end of the worm screw element to the terminal.

Aptly, the apparatus further includes a plurality of user buttons, eacharranged to drive the motor to a pre-determined position to therebylocate the display at a respective pre-determined viewing angle.

Aptly, the apparatus further includes two user buttons, each arranged todrive the motor in a respective clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of user buttons, eacharranged to drive the motor to a pre-determined position to therebylocate the display at a respective pre-determined viewing angle.

Aptly, each button is located in a main user interface region of aterminal housing.

Aptly, each button includes a visual cue indicating a respectivelocation of the display support corresponding to an associated viewingangle.

Aptly, each button is a dedicated control button on the terminal andeach button is backlit.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises an inner hood element carried bythe display support that extends within the terminal from at least anupper edge region of the display support towards an interior region ofthe terminal.

Aptly, the inner hood element further extends from spaced apart sideedges of the display support and comprises an outwardly turned lipregion extending around respective side edges and an upper edge thereof.

Aptly, the apparatus further includes a frame element secured to anaperture in a housing of the terminal and providing a bezel regionproximate to an outer peripheral edge of said display support.

Aptly, the frame element comprises a wiper element or gasket elementlocated at least at an upper edge region of the bezel region.

Aptly, the frame element comprises a gully located at a lower edgeregion of the bezel region.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises at least one throughhole in thegully.

Aptly, each throughhole comprises a drainage hole or drainage grill.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises an air blower that blows air ontoat least the inner hood element.

Aptly, the air blower is a heated air blower.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of locating a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) at adesired viewing angle, comprising the steps of:

-   -   supporting a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) via a        display support that is pivotably mounted at an edge region        thereof to the terminal;    -   via a motor, varying a length of a variable length member that        connects a further region of the display support to the        terminal; and    -   tilting the display at a viewing angle responsive to a length of        the variable length member.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of tilting the display bytilting the display support about at least one pivot pin member as thelength of the variable length member.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of fixing an angle of tiltto provide a desired viewing angle for the display by releasablypreventing rotation of a worm screw element of the variable lengthmember.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of rigidly supporting thedisplay at the fixed angle of tilt.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of determining when anangle of tilt is at a pre-determined position by detecting a position ofa flag member on the display support via at least one sensor.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of, at switch-on,energizing the motor to drive the worm screw element to a pre-determinedlength at which the display is angled at a corresponding “home” viewingangle.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of selectively rotating theworm screw element in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction responsiveto a press on a respective user button of the terminal.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of, subsequent to receivinga press on a user button, determining a current position of the motor,determining a desired position of the motor corresponding to a viewingangle associated with the pressed user button and rotating the wormscrew element via the motor responsive to a difference between thecurrent position and the desired position.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of de-coupling an impact ofthe display from the motor via a stiff spring element connecting an endof the worm screw element to the terminal.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of, as the display istilted, preventing ingress of fluid to a rear region of the display viaa hood element carried by the display support.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of collecting fluid fromthe hood element in a lip region of the hood element.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of draining collected fluidvia a drainage hole or drainage grill in a gully of a frame elementsecured to an aperture in a housing of the terminal.

Aptly, the method further comprises the step of blowing cold and/orheated air in at least one pre-determined direction onto the inner hoodelement.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is providedapparatus that sets a desired viewing angle for a display, comprising:

-   -   a display that is pivotable with respect to a Self-Service        Terminal (SST); and    -   a variable length member pivotably connected to the terminal and        the display and having a length that determines a pivot position        of the display;        wherein    -   the length is selectable responsive to activation of at least        one terminal user button to tilt the display to a desired        viewing angle.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is providedapparatus that directs ingress of fluid around a tiltable display of aSelf-Service Terminal (SST), comprising:

-   -   a frame element that extends around an aperture in a        Self-Service Terminal (SST); and    -   a display support that supports a display of the SST and that is        pivotably mounted at an edge region thereof to the frame;        wherein    -   the display support comprises an inner hood element and said        frame element comprises an outer hood element spaced apart from        but proximate to said inner hood element.

Aptly, the frame element comprises a gully comprising at least onethroughhole. The throughhole may have any convenient shape; and anyconvenient number of throughholes may be provided.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises an air blower that blows air ontoat least the inner hood element.

It should now be appreciated that this aspect of the invention has theadvantage that ingress of fluid (such as from rain, sleet, hail, orsnow) can either be prevented or reduced. Any fluid that is admitted isdirected to the gully for egress through one or more apertures disposedtherein. This prevents ingress of fluid to any sensitive electroniccomponents located within the SST (such as a control board, or thelike).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided aSelf-Service Terminal (SST) including a display operable to be moved toa desired viewing angle, the terminal comprising:

-   -   a display support coupled to the display, and being pivotably        mounted to a body portion of the terminal;    -   an adjustable ram coupled between the display support and the        body portion of the terminal; and    -   a motor coupled to the adjustable ram that selectively varies        the length of the adjustable ram to tilt the display to one of a        plurality of preset viewing angles responsive to an input        received from a user.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a user friendly wayin which a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) can be tilted to adesired viewing angle.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanicallynon-complex solution to the problem of tilting a display to a desiredviewing angle without the need for complex pneumatic systems that areprone to error.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage thatone or more user buttons are provided on an SST which enables a user ofthe terminal to simply press a button to adjust the angle oftilt/viewing angle of a display to a desired viewing angle. A user doesnot need to verify themselves prior to being able to move the display toa desired viewing angle. This can avoid user error and avoids the needfor data to be stored for each user.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method andapparatus which can be utilized to manage rainwater and/or ingress ofcontaminating particulate matter on a tilting display SST. This helpsavoid failure of the SST.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter,by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a drive-through Automated Teller Machine (ATM)according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the user interface of the ATM shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates parts of the user interface illustrated in FIG. 2 inmore detail;

FIG. 4 illustrates a display in a “tilted back” orientation;

FIG. 5 illustrates a display in a “tilted forward” orientation;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention inwhich two user buttons can be utilized to tilt the display;

FIG. 7 illustrates how tilting of the display is achieved;

FIG. 8 illustrates how the location of a display can be sensed;

FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 9c illustrate a pivoting display and hood in differentorientations;

FIG. 10 illustrates how a display support pivots;

FIG. 11 illustrates a pivot point of the display support;

FIG. 12 illustrates a display hood in more detail;

FIG. 13 illustrates drainage holes in the gully of a frame thatsurrounds a display;

FIG. 14 illustrates drainage grills in the gully of an alternative framethat surrounds a display; and

FIG. 15 illustrates the use of a heated blower which is part of a watermanagement system.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a Self-Service Terminal 100 in theform of a drive-through Automated Teller Machine (ATM) according to oneembodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that certainembodiments of the present invention are applicable to other types ofSelf-Service Terminals (SSTs) such as ATMs, vending machines, changemachines and the like.

The ATM 100 includes different modules for enabling transactions to beexecuted and recorded by the ATM 100. These ATM modules include customertransaction modules and service personnel modules. The ATM modulesinclude an ATM controller 101, a customer display 102, a cardreader/writer module 103, an encrypting keypad module 104, a receiptprinter module 105, a cash dispenser module 106, a journal printermodule 107 for creating a record of every transaction executed by theATM, a connection module 108, an operator panel module 109 for use by aservice operator (such as a field engineer, a replenisher (of currency,of printed paper or the like), or the like).

Certain customer transaction modules (such as the ATM controller 101)are also used by the service personnel for implementing managementfunctions. However, some of the modules are referred to herein asservice personnel modules (such as the journal printer module 107 andthe operator panel module 109) because they are never used by ATMcustomers. The ATM also includes a display module 120 which provides ahousing for the display 102 as well as a drive system for selectivelyvarying the viewing angle of the display 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates the primary user interface of the ATM 100 in moredetail. It will be appreciated that this primary user interface isinfluential on the customer user experience. More and more these daysthe functions available, the applications/marketing and corporatebranding are elevating the importance of this device and the associatedperformance. The user interface combines the display 102, in the form ofa touchscreen display, which can be utilized to provide high qualitygraphic and animation visualization to a user. The touchscreen display102 includes a display panel and spaced apart touch panel as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

The display 102 itself is framed and supported in place by a displaysupport 201. The support 201 extends circumferentially around the outeredge regions of the touch and display panels of the display 102.Movement of the display support 201 moves the display 102. A frame 205extends around the edge of the display support 201 to help furtherdefine the edges of the display area and also provide a connecting areabetween the edges of the display support 201 and the aperture 206provided in the front fascia 207 of the ATM which receives the display102. The primary user interface also includes a moulding 210 defining acard reader/writer slot which provides an interface between the user andthe card reader/writer module 103. The primary user interface alsoincludes a keypad 211 which is part of the encrypting keypad module 104.The primary user interface also includes a receipt slot 212 whichprovides the interface between a user and the receipt printer module105. The primary user interface also includes a cash dispenser slot 215which provides an interface between a user and the cash dispenser module106. The primary user interface also includes a check processing slot218 which provides the interface between a user and a check processingmodule (not shown).

The primary user interface can optionally utilize other accessports/slots such as a private audio port 220 and may also optionallyinclude illuminated signage 225. A further cash recycler slot 230 isoptionally provided.

FIG. 3 illustrates parts of the user interface illustrated in FIG. 2 inmore detail. More particularly, FIG. 3 illustrates a corner region 300of the display 102 which is surrounded by part of the support 201 andframe 205. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the part of the support visiblefrom the front of the ATM 100 carries three user buttons. An uppermostuser button 305 is an illuminated single press button which displays avisual cue in the form of the picture of a large vehicle. By pressingthis button, a user can arrange for the display 102 to be tilted in aslightly backwards fashion since the user is indicating that they aresitting relatively high up in a large vehicle. Their angle of sight withrespect to the display 102 is thus more elevated than average. A centraluser button 310 is an illuminated single press button. This button isalso accompanied by a visual cue in the form of the picture of ahouse/home. This button is pressed by a user to indicate that the useris at an average height and therefore the angle of tilt of the display102 should be set to remain at a home position. The third lower button315 is a single press illuminated button. A visual cue in the form ofthe picture of a low sports vehicle accompanies the button. By pressingthis button a user indicates that the display 102 should be tiltedforwards. That is to say, the user indicates that they are viewing theATM from a viewpoint below average. FIG. 3 also illustrates how thekeypad 211 includes multiple alphanumeric buttons 320 which can beutilized to enter a PIN number and which can be utilized to receivefurther user input indicating selections.

The display 102 is shown in FIG. 2 in the “home” position. In thisposition, the display 102 is in an upright position substantiallyparallel with the primary fascia panel 207 of the ATM. That is to say,the surface of the display 102 is substantially vertical with respect toa floor surface adjacent to the ATM 100 where a user will be positioned.

FIG. 4 illustrates the display 102 in a “tilted back” orientation. Thisorientation is selected by a user pressing the uppermost button 305adjacent to the display 102 to begin a transaction. By pressing thisbutton 305 the user is indicating that they are sitting in a largevehicle and are therefore at an elevated position with respect to theATM 100. By tilting the display 102 backwards, the user of the vehicleis presented with the display surface substantially fully facing them.This helps minimize the risk that incorrect user selections will be madeby a user selecting regions of the touchscreen as options are displayedthere.

FIG. 4 helps illustrate how the frame 205 which surrounds the aperturein the ATM 100 remains fixed in place with respect to the ATM fascia 207as the display support 201 and the display 102 itself is tilted. Thedisplay 102 is thus tilted with respect to this frame 205 as well as theATM fascia 207. A gap 410 thus opens at an upper region between thisfixed in place frame and the edging of the display 102 provided by partof the support. Rain or unauthorized ingress or other contaminants mustbe prevented from accessing the region within the terminal when this gapopens. This is achieved using an inner hood on the frame and outer hoodon the display support 201, as will be described in more detail below.By contrast to the orientation shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 illustrates thedisplay 102 in a “tilted forward” orientation. The display is moved tothis orientation subsequent to a user pressing the lowest button 315 atthe edge of the display 102. By pressing this button 315 the user isindicating that they are at a relatively low position with respect tothe ATM 100 and therefore by tilting the display 102 to the orientationshown in FIG. 5, the user is presented with a more full-on view of thedisplay 102. This makes the likelihood of error occurring much reducedwhen a user uses the touchscreen display to make user selections or wheninterpreting options displayed on the screen prior to utilization of thekeypad buttons or other buttons adjacent to the display 102. A hoodwhich moves with the display and which is described further below helpsprevent ingress of rain water or unauthorized personnel or contaminantswhen the display 102 is tilted in this way.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention inwhich rather than the three user buttons 305, 310, 315 shown in FIGS. 2to 5, the display support 201 carries only two user buttons 605, 610.The uppermost user button 605 in FIG. 6 is a single press illuminateduser button. A visual cue in the form of an upward directed arrowaccompanies the button 605. A user pressing this button 605 indicatesthat the display 102 is to be tilted back by a pre-determined amount.Alternatively, certain embodiments of the present invention can utilizea press and hold type button in which case a user can hold the button ina pressed state with the display being constantly tilted back until thebutton is released or the maximum tilt is reached. The lower user button610 shown in FIG. 6 is also a single press illuminated button. Thebutton 610 is accompanied by a visual cue in the form of a downwarddirected arrow. A user can press this button 610 to tilt the display 102forward by a pre-determined amount. Optionally, this button 610 can be apress and hold type button which enables a user to press and hold thebutton to initiate forward tilting of the display. The button is thenreleased when the angle of tilt is at an angle determined by a user.

FIG. 7 illustrates how the tiltable display 102 and display support 201shown in the previous figures may be selectively tilted to a desiredangle corresponding to a desired viewing angle for a user of the ATM100. More particularly, FIG. 7 illustrates certain working parts withinthe terminal itself. Further parts of the display support 201 are alsoillustrated in FIG. 7. It is to be appreciated that the display 102itself of the ATM 100 is provided by a display panel and touch panel andcorresponding power and detection circuitry. This is supported byvarious parts which carry the display 102 with them as the support 201is moved.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear access panel 705 which forms part of thedisplay support 201. At an upper region 706 of this access panel 705, avariable length member 710 is connected at a first end thereof 715 tothe display support via a pivoting axle 716 which is connected tooutstanding lugs 718 which extend from the display support 201. Thedisplay 102 and display support 201 shown in FIG. 7 is arranged in aslightly “tilted forward” orientation. In this orientation, the plane ofthe display panel is tilted forward about a lower edge of the display102 and display support 201.

FIG. 7 illustrates the reverse side of part of the frame 205 which isfixed in place with respect to the ATM fascia 207 and also illustrateshow an inner hood 720 moves as part of the display support 201. In theposition shown in FIG. 7, the hood 720 is located in such a way thatvery little of the hood 720 is visible to a user of the ATM 100. A lip730 on the hood 720 which helps manage flow of any water moving into theterminal and which extends outwardly from the main body of the hood 720is shown spaced apart from an abutment surface 735 provided by an edgeof the frame 205.

The variable length member 710 is an assembly of a plurality ofcomponent parts that together act as a variable length strut thatpositions the display 102 at an angle of incline responsive to thelength of the assembly. The variable length strut is a structuralcomponent that helps resist longitudinal compression between thepivot/connection points at either end. At a first end 715, a strut body740 provides a rigid frame connecting the various pivot points that areconnected to the display support to a worm screw 745. The threading onthis worm screw extends longitudinally along the length of the screw andmates with matching threading in an open mouth 750 of the variable strutlength housing 740. A further end of the worm screw 745 extends towardsa further housing 755 which is likewise pivoted at an axle 760 to rigidlugs 765 upstanding from a surface 766 of the terminal. In this way itwill be understood that the variable strut length is pivotably connectedat two points. One point at one end of the strut is pivotably connectedto an upper region of the display support. Another point is pivotablyconnected to the terminal. A lower edge region of the display support isalso pivotably connected to the terminal. The edge of the displaysupport and the upstanding lugs which pivotably support a further end ofthe variable length strut are spaced apart so that by varying the lengthof the strut, by driving a motor 770 that turns the worm screw 745, thedisplay is tilted. If the worm screw is rotated in one direction, thelength of the variable length strut increases. If the worm screw isrotated in an opposite direction, the length of the variable lengthstrut is reduced. Increasing the length of the variable length struttilts the display support and thus the display forwards. Reducing thelength of the variable length strut causes the display and displaysupport to be tilted backwards. The motor is driven to shorten orlengthen the strut responsive to a customer pressing a correspondinguser button. It will be appreciated that whilst certain embodiments ofthe present invention have been described with respect to a display thatpivots about a lower edge, certain other embodiments could be providedin which the display pivots about an upper edge in which case a furtherend of the variable length strut could be pivotably connected to theterminal at an upper region rather than via the floor surface 766.

The further end of the worm screw 745 extends towards the furtherhousing 755 and is connected to the further housing by a couplingconnection 780 which includes a stiff spring 785. This helps decoupleany impact on the screen by absorbing impact force. The stepper motorand worm drive are thus parts of a stiff arm assembly that can extendand retract as the motor rotates. The motor is run in a closed loop modegiving precise and reliable motion control. The direct drive schemeoffers a stiff support for the display. This rigidity is helpful interms of the usability of the touchscreen and replicates the normalsolid feel associated with traditional fixed display systems. In orderto protect the drive and the display from damage during casual attack orany vehicle contact, the shaft can optionally include a stiff spring tode-couple any impact being translated directly through the motor.

FIG. 8 illustrates a way in which the location of the inner hood 720 andthus the angle of tilt of the display support that it is part of (andthus the angle of tilt of the display) may be determined. As illustratedin FIG. 8, a flag 800 which is a rigid body, such as a piece of metal orthe like is secured to the lip 730 of the hood 720 and moves with thehood. A sensor 810 is fixed in place with respect to the terminal bybeing secured to a side panel 820 of the terminal. As the worm screw 745is rotated, the hood 720 moves corresponding to tilting of the displaysupport. This movement causes an edge region 830 of the flag to moveinto an orifice 840 of the sensor where the appearance of the flag maybe detected and/or the disappearance of the flag may be detected. Aptly,a “home” position is provided for the terminal. The display and displaysupport are driven to the home position either by pressing of acorresponding “home” button on the front of the ATM or after apre-determined time-out period has elapsed. Subsequent to either ofthese events occurring, the motor 770 is driven to rotate the worm screw745 to tilt the display and display support until the flag is detectedat a desired position. It will be appreciated that other techniquescould of course be utilized to determine the location of the display.

The motor is run in a close link mode giving precise and reliable motioncontrol. At switch-on the motion system homes to a known fixed position.A slotted optical sensor 810 is used to signal this exact position andallows the stepper motor to facilitate motion forward or backwards ofthis home position. FIG. 8 illustrates the flag that sweeps through anarc as the display moves. The homing procedure involves the motor slowlyrunning until the flag enters a slot in the sensor. The motion is thenreversed and halted once the sensor changes state. This is the homeposition indicated and is very predictable. Pressing one or more of theuser control buttons signals to the motor that a new position isrequired. The motor responds by comparing its current position with thenew position and uses a trapezoidal profile including an accelerationphase, steady speed phase and deceleration phase to move to the newlocation. In this mode, the user buttons used to tilt the display aredisabled. This helps simplify drive control and also helps to reducelearning time for a cardholder/user of the ATM. Optionally, motioncontrol can be tied into a customer application. This allows the displayto return to its “home” position after a customer transaction iscomplete. This is another option as opposed to returning the display tothe “home” position after a fixed time-out of no activity. Optionally,customer preferences may be tied to a cardholder/user of the ATMallowing an auto-set up of the display at the start of any transactionwith a user who has pre-stored a preferred “home” position. Thus, acardholder would verify/identify themselves by inputting a user card andPIN and pre-stored positional information would be utilized to drive thedisplay to a pre-determined position automatically.

FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 9c illustrate the position of the display in threeseparate orientations and illustrates the inner hood 720 and frame 205in more detail. As with all fixed display drive-up ATMs, the externalenvironment can introduce several issues with water management. Atraditional approach has been to seal the machine with numerous gaskets.This approach is difficult to achieve with a tilting screen solution dueto moving parts which move in and out of the terminal. As these partsmove, gaps can appear. Certain embodiments of the present inventionovercome this problem, and also help reduce unauthorized access to theinner parts of the user terminal utilizing a water management scheme. Asshown in FIG. 9a , certain embodiments of the present invention ensurethat there are limited gaps between an outer hood 900 which is affixedto or integrally formed with the frame 205 surrounding the aperture inthe ATM and an inner hood 720 which is part of the display support. Theouter hood 900 and inner hood 720 are rigid arcuate bodies and a gap 901between an outer surface of the inner hood and inner surface of theouter hood is kept to as small a distance as possible so that as thedisplay tilts forwards and backwards a minimal pathway is provided foringress of water. Optionally, a wiper 910 is carried on the displaysupport at an upper edge of the display. This is sealed at an innersurface to the display and abuts with an inner surface of the outer hood900 to urge water in a forwards direction shown by arrow A in FIG. 9a asthe display is tilted forwards. In addition to the outer and inner hood,a gasket 920 is provided along the lower edge of the display. Thisgasket 920 rocks in a concave gully 930 which extends along the bottomof the frame 205. FIG. 9a illustrates the display in a slightly tiltedback orientation. FIG. 9b illustrates the display in a more tilted backorientation. FIG. 9c illustrates the display in a tilted forwardorientation. In the orientation shown in FIG. 9c the lip 730 which is anoutwardly turned portion of the inner hood 720 is illustrated in aposition in which it is almost in contact with the edge 735 of theframe. This is an orientation similar to that shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates a reverse side of the frame 205 which extends acrossthe principal (largest) aperture of the ATM fascia 207. The frame 205includes a keyboard aperture 1005 which receives the encrypting keypadmodule 104. The frame 205 also includes an audio port aperture 1010which receives an audio port 220. The frame 205 also includes a cardreader/writer aperture 1015 which receives a moulding 210 defining acard reader/writer slot. A further principal frame aperture 1020 isprovided in the frame 205 and this defines the open mouth in which thedisplay 102 itself is tilted forwards and backwards. FIG. 10 helpsillustrate the reverse of the display support 201 and helps illustratehow this is pivotably connected to the frame 205 at a lower edge regionat both sides of the display support 201.

FIG. 10 also helps illustrate how the hood 720 carried by the displaysupport 201, referred to as an inner hood, has side panels 1030 whichextend up to the arcuate hood top. The side panels (one shown in FIG.10) help shield the sides of the back of the display 102 when thedisplay 102 is tilted outwards into a tilted forward orientation. Thishelps prevent ingress of rainwater or other contaminants or preventsunauthorized access.

FIG. 11 illustrates how a flange 1100 extends around the principalaperture 1020 in the frame 205. The flange 1100 is a lip which extendssubstantially at right angles to the principal plane of the frame 205. Apivot pin 1110 extends through an aperture in the flange 1100 and acorresponding flange 1120 which extends out of the display support. Aninner surface of the flange 1100 of the frame is concave to form a gully930. An outer surface of the flange 1120 of the display is substantiallyconvex and formed as a gasket that rides in the gully. A similarpivoting arrangement is provided on the remaining side (not shown) ofthe display.

FIG. 12 illustrates the frame 205 which is secured to the front of theATM and extends around a main aperture 206 provided in the front fascia207. FIG. 12 helps illustrate the inner hood 720 and shows the upperarcuate panel which is at an upper region of the display support 201 andone of the two substantially triangular side panels 1030 which extendfrom the upper arcuate panel. FIG. 12 also helps illustrate motion ofincoming water with the various arrows 1200 which are shown. It will beunderstood that the hood illustrated in FIG. 12 is in the position inwhich a display is tilted back, that is to say, is tilted within theterminal. The inner hood 720 is thus angled back at its maximum withrespect to the frame 205. In this position, any rainwater will followthe path shown by the multiple arrows 1200 which extend at about ninetydegrees to the front plane of the frame 205. These arrows indicate theflow of water between the inner hood 720 and the outer hood which ispart of the frame. The arrows thus indicate the pathway of rainwater asit flows in around the edges of the display support within the innerrecesses of the terminal. The flow of rainwater indicated by thesearrows 1200 is halted by the lip 730. Rainwater will collect at this lipregion and will thereafter flow outwards from a central region 1205along the lip illustrated by the arrows 1210 extending around the upperlip. The water will then flow, by virtue of gravity, around a corner1220 of each side of the inner hood and down the sides of the inner hoodin the direction shown by the long arrows 1230 in FIG. 12. Water thengathers at the bottom of the display in the gully, shown more clearly inFIGS. 13 and 14. More particularly, FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment ofthe present invention in which the gully 930 includes drainage holes1300 which are arranged along the bottom of the gully in a line. Thedrainage holes are spaced apart so that water flowing from the innerhood downwards and water collecting on the display screen and flowingdown collects in the gullies and can then flow through the drainageholes via a fluid communication pathway to an area outside the terminal.FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present inventionin which the gully 930 in the frame 205 includes a series of grills1400. These grills 1400 are elongate throughholes or slits groupedtogether in a substantially parallel arrangement with groups 1410 ofgrills being spaced apart along the length of the gully. These slitsallow collected rainwater to flow out of the terminal.

FIG. 15 illustrates how an optional blower 1500 which can be a heatedblower or a non-heated blower of air can be positioned so as to blow airin a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the arrows1200 shown in FIG. 12 at the top of the inner hood 720. This thus helpsprevent flow of rainwater into the inside of the ATM 100. Utilizing aheated blower helps prevent freezing of incoming rainwater whenenvironmental temperatures are low. This would otherwise freeze motionof the display due to an accumulation of ice between moving parts. One,two or more blowers may of course be utilized.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a tilting displaywhich is adjustable to a customer's requirements. This enhances thecustomer's experience providing the customer with an optimal viewingangle. This is particularly advantageous in drive-through ATMs due tothe varying styles and sizes of vehicles that approach them.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a customer with theoption to manipulate a display viewing angle. Certain embodimentsutilize a three button scheme which allows a cardholder to select one ofthree fixed angles. This is achieved utilizing a linear worm screw withdirect coupling to the display. This provides accurate positionalcontrol, simple assembly in terms of part count and maintenance and alsoflexible operation. Also, the selection of a viewing angle is madesimple for a user by virtue of there being only three options available,each of which is selected by pressing a respective user button. Thedisplay is mounted on a pivoting axle. A stepper motor and worm driveare part of a stiff arm assembly that can extend and retract as themotor rotates. The motor is run in a closed loop mode giving precise andreliable motion control. At switch-on, the motion system homes to aknown fixed position. A slotted optical sensor is used to signal thisexact position and allows the stepper motor to facilitate motion forwardor backwards with respect to this home position.

Optionally, a flag can be utilized that sweeps through an arc as thedisplay moves. The homing procedure involves the motor slowly runninguntil the flag enters a slot. The motion is then reversed and haltedonce the sensor changes state. This is the home position and can bedetected in a very predictable manner.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a direct drivescheme to alter and fix the viewing angle of a display. This offers astiff support for the display. This rigidity is advantageous in terms ofthe usability of the touchscreen display, particularly if the display isa touchscreen. This also replicates the normal solid feel associatedwith traditional fixed display systems. In order to protect the driveand the display from damage during casual attack or any vehicle contact,the shaft may optionally feature a stiff spring which is able tode-couple any impact being translated directly through the motor.Optionally, the display is returned to its “home” position after acustomer transaction has been completed. Optionally, the display isreturned to its “home” position after a fixed time-out period duringwhich there is no discernible activity. Aptly, this occurs automaticallyafter about around ten minutes of inactivity at the terminal. This helpsavoid the display being left in an extended position indefinitely.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention a two buttonapproach may be provided whereby a user can tilt the display in one oftwo directions by selecting and pressing one of two optional userbuttons carried on the display or adjacent to the display. This providesa simple and immediately understandable method of conveying how thetilting apparatus operates.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention a watermanagement system is introduced at an ATM. As with all drive-throughATMs the external environment surrounding the ATM can introduce severalissues with water management. A traditional approach has been to sealthe machine with numerous gaskets. This approach is difficult to achievewith a tilting screen solution due to parts moving in and out of themachine. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a solutionto this which involves limiting water ingress as much as possible andthen managing any water ingress to move the water away from and/or outof the machine. This can be achieved by utilizing limited gaps betweenmoving parts and providing an outer bezel/hood and inner bezel/hood.Optionally, a wiper blade or gasket can be utilized to limit wateringress. Any water that does make its way into the terminal can bemanaged so that the water flows along pre-determined pathways. Thishelps prevent further water ingress into the unit and/or water ingressinto undesirable regions. The water can subsequently be managed acrossand down either side of a display using drainage holes or grills to movethe water out of the terminal. Optionally, the addition of a blowerheater or air conditioning unit can be utilized to help prevent wateringress and/or prevent freezing.

In other embodiments, the display 102 may be a non-touchscreen type inwhich case a further array of user buttons (function defined keys(FDKs)) may be provided on opposing sides of the display support 201 toallow user selections to be made.

In other embodiments, the tiltable display may be provided on aself-service terminal other than an ATM, or on a lobby orthrough-the-wall ATM rather than a drive-up ATM.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words“comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but notlimited to” and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude othermoieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout thedescription and claims of this specification, the singular encompassesthe plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, wherethe indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood ascontemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the contextrequires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are tobe understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment orexample described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of thefeatures disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method orprocess so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, exceptcombinations where at least some of the features and/or steps aremutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details ofany foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, ornovel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to anynovel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method orprocess so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with or previous to this specification in connectionwith this application and which are open to public inspection with thisspecification, and the contents of all such papers and documents areincorporated herein by reference.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Apparatus that directs ingress of fluidaround a able display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST), the apparatuscomprising: a display support that supports the tiltable display andthat is pivotably mounted at an edge region thereof to the SST, thedisplay support including a frame element providing a bezel regionproximate to an outer peripheral edge of the display support and aninner hood element that extends from an upper edge region of the displaysupport towards an interior of the SST, and wherein the display supportincluding three-buttons, at least one button an illuminated single pressbutton which when pressed causes the tiltable display to tilt, andwherein the inner hood element moves as part of the display support andan outer hood element that remains fixed and does not move with theinner hood element, a gap between the inner hood element and the outerhood element having a pathway for allowing the inner hood element tomove while the outer hood element remains fixed, the display supportalso includes a wiper sealed on an inner surface of the tiltable displayand abuts an inner surface of the outer hood element to urge any waterpresent in the pathway in a direction towards the tiltable display; anda gasket element on the display support which moves with the displaysupport as the display support pivots, the gasket element situated alonga lower edge region of the display support, the gasket element rocks ina concave gully as the inner hood element extends from the upper edgeregion, the concave gully extends along a bottom of the display support.2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a lip on the inner hoodelement and extending outwardly from a main body of the display supportto manage flow of any water moving into the SST.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a frame element including a gully definingat least one drainage hole.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein theouter hood element is spaced apart from but proximate to the inner hoodelement by the pathway.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the frameelement defines an abutment surface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the apparatus further comprises an air blower that blows aironto at least the inner hood element.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein the air blower blows heated air onto at least the inner hoodelement to prevent freezing of incoming rainwater when environmentaltemperatures are low.
 8. A method of directing ingress of fluid around atiltable display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST), the methodcomprising: pivoting a tiltable display mounted at an edge regionthereof within a display aperture of the SST; wherein the displayincludes a gasket element which moves with the display as the displaypivots, the gasket element situated along a lower edge region of thedisplay, the gasket element rocks in a concave gully as an inner hoodelement extends from an upper edge region, the concave gully extendsalong a bottom of the display, and wherein the display includes a frameelement providing a bezel region proximate to an outer peripheral edgeof the display and the inner hood element that extends from the upperedge region of the display towards an interior of the SST, and whereinframe element includes three-buttons, at least one button an illuminatedsingle press button which when pressed causes the tiltable display totilt, and wherein the inner hood element moves as part of the displayand an outer hood element that remains fixed and does not move with theinner hood element, and a gap between the inner hood element and theouter hood element having a pathway for allowing the inner hood elementto move while the outer hood element remains fixed, the frame elementalso includes a wiper sealed on an inner surface of the tiltable displayand abuts an inner surface of the outer hood element to urge any waterpresent in the pathway in a direction towards the tiltable display;sealing around the display aperture of the SST by the gasket element asthe display pivots.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: usinga lip defined by the inner hood element and extending outwardly from amain body thereof to manage flow of any water moving into the SST. 10.The method of claim 9, further comprising using a gully defining atleast one drainage hole to drain water away from the display of the SST.11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: blowing air onto at leastthe inner hood element coupled to a display support that supports thetiltable display.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:blowing heated air onto at least the inner hood element to preventfreezing of incoming rainwater when, environmental temperatures are low.13. Apparatus that directs ingress of fluid around a tiltable display ofa Self-Service Terminal (SST), the apparatus comprising: a displaysupport that supports the tiltable display and that is pivotably mountedat an edge region thereof to the SST, wherein the display supportincluding a frame element providing a bezel region proximate to an outerperipheral edge of the display support and an inner hood element thatextends from an upper edge region of the display support towards aninterior of the SST, and wherein the display support includingthree-buttons, at least one button an illuminated single press buttonwhich when pressed causes the tiltable display to tilt, wherein theinner hood element moves as part of the display support while and anouter hood element that remains fixed and does not move with the innerhood element, and a gap between the inner hood element and the outerhood element having a pathway for allowing the inner hood element tomove while the outer hood element remains fixed, the display supportalso includes a wiper sealed on an inner surface of the tiltable displayand abuts an inner surface of the outer hood element to urge any waterpresent in the pathway in a direction towards the tiltable display; theframe element including a gully defining at least one drainage hole; anda gasket element along the lower edge of the display support which rocksin the gully during moving of the display support, the gasket elementsituated along a lower edge region of the display support, the gasketelement rocks in a concave gully as the inner hood element extends fromthe upper edge region, the concave gully extends along a bottom of thedisplay support.
 14. A method of directing ingress of fluid around atiltable display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST), the methodcomprising: pivoting a tiltable display mounted at an edge regionthereof to the SST and providing a frame element having a bezel regionproximate to an outer peripheral edge of the display and an inner hoodelement that extends from an upper edge region of the display towards aninterior of the SST, and wherein the frame element includesthree-buttons, at least one button an illuminated single press buttonwhich when pressed causes the tiltable display to tilt, and an outerhood element that remains fixed frame and does not move with the innerhood element, and a gap between the inner hood element and the outerhood element allowing the inner hood element to move while the outerhood element remains fixed, the frame element also includes a wipersealed on an inner surface of the tiltable display and abuts an innersurface of the outer hood element to urge any water present in thepathway in a direction towards the tiltable display; using a gasketelement situated along the lower edge of the frame which rocks in thegully during moving of the display support, the gasket element situatedalong a lower edge region of the frame, the gasket element rocks in aconcave gully as the inner hood element extends from the upper edgeregion, the concave gully extends along a bottom of the frame element;using a lip defined by the inner hood element and extending outwardlyfrom a main body thereof for managing flow of any water moving into theSST; and using a gully defining at least one drainage hole to drainwater away from the display of the SST.